Defeat of Jesse James Days is an annual community festival held in Northfield, Minnesota. Taking place on the weekend after Labor Day, the festival is dedicated to the Great Northfield, Minnesota Bank Raid of 1876, one of the most dramatic pages of Old West history. The Defeat of Jesse James Days commemorates the courage of the people who stood up to the James-Younger Gang.
Northfield Bank Raid Reenactment
At the heart of the Defeat of Jesse James Days lies a turbulent reenactment of the bank robbery attempted by the James-Younger gang and their stand-off with the brave locals. Thousands of people gather in the historic Downtown to see a play-by-play sequence staged on Division Street outside of the First National Bank of Northfield. Gang members ride horses, and bullets are flying, transforming the street into a theater stage. The reenactors are dressed in appropriate historical attire, setting the stage for the American Frontier period of that time.
Schedule of Reenactments
Reenactments take place on Friday, September 6th, at 6 and 7 pm and on Saturday, September 7th, at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 and 5 pm. On Sunday, the spectacle is set to take place at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Spanish translation is available during all reenactments, however, ASL interpretation is done only on Saturday and Sunday.
Outlaw 5K & 15K Run (September 8, 2024)
In an effort to commemorate the men who perished during the Northfield bank robbery, the Northfield Historical Society annually hosts a marathon and walk through the city. The race begins on the corner of Washington Street and 4th Street at 8 am on Sunday. To participate in the run, you need to pay a fee of $25.
Grand Parade (September 8, 2024)
The culmination of the Defeat Jesse James Days festival is the Grand Parade, the main purpose of which is to celebrate the Northfield community. Local businesses and civic organizations participated in the parade, followed by horseriders and marching bands. The procession sets off from Northfield High School, continues down Division Street, and stops at the Public Library. The event normally begins at 2 pm on Sunday and lasts approximately two hours.
PRCA Rodeo
Friday through Sunday, the Northfield residents and guests of the city can witness an exhilarating spectacle, a dynamic rodeo, taking place near Northfield Dog Park. Skilled cowboys and cowgirls demonstrate their abilities in steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping. Tickets to the event cost $25 per adult, $15 for children over 3 years old, and free for children under two. The shows are scheduled to take place on Friday at 8 pm, on Saturday at 2 pm, and on Sunday at 8 pm.
Other Attractions
The festival, which has been held since 1947, is one of the largest outdoor celebrations in Minnesota. Food vendors are set up in Bridge Square, and live performances are played on the stage on Water Street. The Defeat of Jesse James Days also includes an art festival in downtown Northfield, a car show, a bike tour, a cornhole tournament, several tractor pull shows, the beard contest, live music, and various family-friendly events. You will also have a chance to enjoy thrilling carnival rides, a horseshoe hunt and many other fun activities.
